10 Best Biblically Responsible Stocks to Invest in Today

Many investment firms and investors are out to make as much money as possible. They don’t care who they’re supporting. People interested in Biblically Responsible Investing not only want to make money to better serve God but want to back companies that share their beliefs.

Instead of investing in companies that perform well on the stock market, it’s important to research the big names and make sure they represent your values.

Investors now have a lot more information at their disposal to help them determine if a corporation behaves in a Christian way. 

This article will explain BRI investing, biblical investing principles, how and where to buy BRI stocks, and give a list of some of the best biblically responsible companies in the marketplace.

What are Biblically Responsible Stocks?

In the most basic sense, biblically responsible stocks represent publicly traded companies that follow the Bible’s broad and specific principles of behavior. They allow people to exercise wisdom in ways that honor the God of the Bible without breaking His commandments. 

When you invest in the stock market, you’re not only trying to make money. You’re taking part ownership of a company so you don’t want to support something with opposing views.

Investing in these stocks doesn’t mean you’re placing your values over the potential to make a quality investment. Biblically responsible investing has grown over the past few years.

Timothy Plan, a company that owns many faith-based mutual funds, has doubled and opened new funds as a result.

In real terms, this means BRI investors are shying away from companies that do any of the following:

• Disburse contraceptives
• Perform elective abortions
• Distribute or manufacture alcohol
• Produce violent or sexual entertainment, especially pornography
• Engage in stem-cell research
• Operate casino or internet gaming
• Provide arms to or conduct business with known terrorist organizations or oppressive regimes (especially those that avow hatred toward Israel) 
• Take advantage of low-income individuals or families
• Manufacture and distribute marijuana or other hallucinogens
• Promote homosexual and alternative lifestyles

Very few, if any, companies abstain from all these corporate behaviors. But there are degrees to which companies engage in them, and so it is up to the individual investor to decide their comfort level with any corporation’s business practices.

See Related: How to Start Investing With a Purpose

10 Best Biblically Responsible Stocks

To compile this list of the best biblically responsible stocks, we researched some of the best-performing stocks on the market. Then we screened them according to the criteria mentioned above. 

If a company had LGBT employee policies, they can make it through. But if they donate money to those causes, they get eliminated.

Once we had a shortlist of biblically responsible stocks, we researched more. We wanted to know the company’s growth potential, competitive advantages, and human capital. A company that’s biblically responsible but doesn’t advance isn’t worth the investment, so we covered all the bases.

What we’re left with is the list you see below. These companies back religious values and are biblically responsible. Because they represent what you believe in, you’re able to invest and stick with them for the long term.

This list of biblically responsible stocks explains why you should choose the stock reviewed. It also includes the pros and cons of investing in biblically responsible stocks.

1. Best Biblically Responsible Stock for Big Gains: Tesla

Tesla is a fast-growing company that isn’t shy about testing other markets. The company is working to build electric cars. With the government working to ensure 50% of the cars on the road are electric, this is a great time to invest in the cause.

Though Tesla is an expensive stock to invest in, it will pay off over time. In addition to getting in on the ground floor of producing electric cars, the company embraces these environmental issues completely. They are careful with their energy consumption and emissions.

The company is also on the cutting edge of robotics and artificial intelligence.

Elon Musk has worked on building a self-driving car and even dreams of making flying cars by 2050. If you’re able to invest in something long-term, Tesla is sure to be worth the money.

One downside to Tesla is that the company supports the LGBT equality act. This means that the company can’t discriminate against LGBT employees in terms of hiring and firing. Though Tesla signed on to support this bill, there is no proof that they donate to LGBT causes. 

Pros

• Environmentally-friendly in terms of energy, emissions, and hazardous waste
• Poised to advance the artificial intelligence market
• Well-performing, constantly growing stock

Cons

• Supports the LGBT equality act for employees
• Expensive stock to buy into

2. Best Biblically Responsible Stock for Quick Turnaround: AutoZone

AutoZone stock is highly-rated because you can invest in it short-term or long-term and still make money. While you want to buy some stocks and stick with them as they grow, AutoZone can pay off immediately.

Inspire Insight, a company that searches controversial legislation for company involvement, couldn’t find anything against AutoZone. They haven’t signed any LGBT agreements, donated to abortion rights, or backed weapons manufacturers.

Though AutoZone is a reliable company to invest in, sometimes the stock prices are high. That initial cost can keep people from getting involved.

It’s worth keeping an eye on this stock, though, and buying when the prices are low.

There are also some risks with investment since it’s so easy to buy and sell your shares. The company frequently approves buybacks so the value fluctuates.

With electric cars becoming more common, as mentioned above with Tesla stock, AutoZone might face declining sales over the long term.

Pros

• Pays out whether you sell immediately or hang onto the stock
• No proof of investing in controversial manufacturers
• Doesn’t publicly support LGBT rights

Cons

• Expensive stock to buy into due to its growth
• Risk factors may decrease its value

3. Best Biblically Responsible Stock for the Long-Term: Garmin

Garmin is a tech company with a solid reputation, so Christian investors should be happy that it’s a biblically responsible stock for investment.

You can safely invest in Garmin because there are no public records of them approving or backing any sinful industries. According to Inspire Insight, the company doesn’t have a known employee policy regarding LGBT or healthcare for abortions.

Other positive aspects of investing in Garmin include their rank as best in class in terms of controlling their greenhouse gas emissions. They also have impressive rankings in energy management and materials sourcing.

It’s nice to know that a prominent company like Garmin promotes not only the environment but also a biblical way of living. Since this stock isn’t guaranteed to have a quick influx on the market, it’s one you want to invest in and keep for the long term.

Pros

• Very affordable price so you get more for your investment
• No recorded accounts of supporting sinful legislation or companies
• Ranked best in class in many environmental categories

Cons

• Can’t pay out quickly, so you have to hold onto it
• Doesn’t have as much earning potential as others on the list

4. Best Biblically Responsible Stock for Human Welfare: Dollar General

Several companies earned their spot on this list because they’re environmentally conscious. Dollar General has all that and more. They rank as best in class for categories like Employee Health and Safety and Customer Welfare.

These rankings show you that Dollar General is a company that values people. If you want to back a company that supports both the working class as well as the customers, this is the stock for you.

Because so many people shop at Dollar General, it’s a very stable stock. It doesn’t have a high projected growth rate, but it’s a solid investment. 

Pros

• Ranks best in class for many environmental and social categories
• Stable stock to invest in now and have money for retirement
• Important in the supply chain and as an employer

Cons

• Doesn’t have a huge projected growth
• Retail stocks can be risky due to the overall economy

5. Best Biblically Responsible Stock for Evangelism: Tyson

Tyson isn’t just the world’s largest chicken producer – the company is well-known for its evangelism. Tyson employs chaplains to minister to employees who work in production and offices.

Having chaplains on staff makes Tyson a wholesome workplace because you’re never too far from the word of God when you need it.

The company doesn’t keep the gospel behind closed doors. They donated money to the University of Arkansas to fund a religious center. The center focuses on global businesses and is sensitive to the diverse religions employees might practice.

The Tyson Center for Faith and Spirituality in the Workplace is part of the Sam M. Walton College of Business. Since Tyson incorporates religion into their work environment, they’re helping other leaders learn how they can do the same.

With such a well-known company having strong morals, you can confidently invest in this stock. Tyson has been a big name in the food industry for years, and that won’t change anytime soon.

Pros

• Embody biblical teachings by employing chaplains as staff
• Spread the word by founding a religious center at a local university
• Well-known manufacturer in the food industry

Cons

• Publicly support LGBT employees having equal rights

6. Best Biblically Responsible Stock for Reliability: United Rentals

United Rentals is a company that rents tools and machinery to workers and construction sites. Since this type of equipment is so expensive to buy, a lot of people rent it instead. Therefore, you know that United Rentals is a reliable investment.

While construction wasn’t booming during the pandemic, it’s a field that always ebbs and flows. After the economy struggled, it’s only natural that construction is going to build back up into a healthy market. Shops, schools, and residential areas are popping up around the country. Even once they’re built, these places need maintenance these machines can help with.

However, with any field that depends on the population and the economy, United Rentals isn’t a surefire investment. If construction drops off, you’ll lose money. Or if it grows but companies buy equipment, United Rentals will fold. So there are some risks involved with this stock.

Pros

• No known affiliations with sinful manufacturers or backing offensive legislation
• Provides a necessary service, making it reliable
• Rated best in class in many environmental and social categories

Cons

• Subject to increases and decreases due to the state of the economy

7. Best Biblically Responsible Stock for Supply Issues: Old Dominion Freight Line

While the previously mentioned United Rentals hasn’t had a solid increase during the pandemic, Old Dominion Freight Line has seen the opposite. With supply issues, the transportation company has flourished.

Trucks are dependable, but they take much longer than planes. In the present day, consumers want their goods immediately. But due to supply issues with food and raw materials, retailers aren’t able to deliver with that speed.

Old Dominion Freight Line started in 1934, so the company understands their need and relevance. During a time when it wasn’t possible to ship things immediately, retailers turned to Old Dominion Freight Line to send goods across the country at a much lower price.

A lower cost for the retailers meant that Old Dominion’s business was booming, so it’s a good stock to buy. After seeing this change in the economy, there’s no need to invest in Old Dominion for just a short time. There’s no telling how the repercussions of the pandemic will play out, so investing in Old Dominion is a wise choice to make – and stock to hold on to.

Pros

• Established company with reliable business
• Has no public proof of backing LGBT or abortion legislation
• Trucks are always needed for deliveries

Cons

• Some risk of investment due to the state of the economy

8. Best Biblically Responsible Stock for Making a Change: Kohl’s

Kohl’s is a popular retailer of clothing for men, women, and children. The stores also sell home goods and toys, making it a one-stop-shop. Kohl’s has always been family-focused.

They’re also Christian in their service, supporting charities that benefit women and children.

Along with person-centered charitable work, Kohl’s also ranks as best in class in many environmental categories. The business sources materials ethically to control greenhouse gas emissions. 

Though Kohl’s used to donate to Planned Parenthood, they stopped in 2011. This change was in direct response to customer outrage. In a world where corporations are money-hungry, it’s good to know that some keep their pro-family values and listen to customers.

While Kohl’s has stopped donating to Planned Parenthood and claims to support the traditional family, they don’t practice everything they preach. There are four total instances of Kohl’s backing LGBT policies and agendas.

Kohl’s is a corporate partner of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). Its mission is to advocate for minority business owners, which is a noble goal, but its focus is on the LGBT community.

The retailer also promotes the LGBT lifestyle in their store, then donates proceeds to the Trevor Project, an LGBT organization. They also support military families, so it’s hard to rate Kohls as all good or all bad with their array of donations.

Kohl’s is a major retailer so, if you choose to invest in their stock, it’s a good decision. They listen to customers and stakeholders so there’s a lot to appreciate. You might want to take a closer look at the actual numbers of their donations before you invest.

Pros

• Stopped donating to Planned Parenthood in 2011
• Support traditional families and the United States Military
• Reliable retailer with high profits

Cons

• Supports LGBT lifestyle and donates profits to related foundations
• Is a corporate partner for a major LGBT organization

9. Best Biblically Responsible Stock for Greatest Scope: Simon

Simon Property Group owns shopping malls across the United States. They also own many of the brands that have storefronts in the malls, whether it’s retail shops, entertainment outlets, or restaurants.

Since the company has such a broad range, it’s a good stock for investment. Even if one retail store goes under, Simon still owns many others. Though malls aren’t as popular these days, there are countless stores and restaurants that only have a presence in malls. Therefore they’ll always bring in traffic and make this stock a good buy.

Simon owns Forever 21, which might not seem like a religious store since the clothing sold isn’t modest. But if you check near the bottom of the store’s bags, you’ll see John 3:16 printed out to share the store owners’ faith.

Pros

• Owns many stores, brands, and restaurants
• Is always expanding their scope to make the most profit

Cons

• Owns stores like Forever 21, which don’t exclusively sell modest clothing

10. Best Biblically Responsible Stock for Financial Gain: Walmart

Walmart is one company that divides religious investors. It’s rooted in Christianity because founder Sam Walton was an active church-goer.

He started the store based on the church hours of his town in Arkansas.

The company gets a lot of flack for its employment practices, such as not giving full-time status to workers so Walmart doesn’t have to pay for insurance. But the retailer has a reputation of being a pro-family, Christian entity. It sells more Christian books than smaller Christian bookstores, so there’s some truth to that perception.

However, in recent years, the company has strayed from those fundamental Christian values. Walmart is a $75,000 Platinum sponsor of PFLAG, an LGBT organization. The roots of PFLAG’s mission are in direct opposition to Christian beliefs.

In addition to 15 other recorded instances of donating money to LGBT organizations, Walmart donated anywhere from $5,000 to $49,999 to the Center of American Progress (CAP).

CAP not only supports LGBT legislation but also abortions.

There’s no way to know the intentions behind Walmart’s donations to CAP. With their direct sponsorship of PFLAG, it’s possible that they only wanted to support the LGBT side of CAP’s mission.

However, since the money could go toward overturning abortion legislation, there’s no way to know for sure.

In the case of investing in Walmart, you’ll have to check in with your religious side. If you want to believe the best of the company, remember that it grew from Christian roots, values family, and still sells Christian books and educational materials.

But it’s your money, so you might not want a penny going towards PFLAG and CAP.

Pros

• Massive company that always has high profits
• Very well-known and stable
• Founded on Christian and pro-family principals

Cons

• Supports LGBT legislation and donates to PFLAG
• Donates to an organization that supports abortion

How to Buy Biblically Responsible Stocks

For example, the Biblically Responsible Investing Institute (BRII) has taken much of the guesswork out of the equation. For the past 15-plus years, they have studied each company in the Standard & Poor’s index of 500 corporations (S&P 500).

BRII operates as a non-biased third-party organization and does not tell investors which stocks to buy. It simply provides the research information so investors can make their own decisions.

Using this resource will help you understand biblical investing principles.

You can also find biblically responsible ETFs. An ETF is an exchange-traded fund that you can buy and sell through the stock market, just like the individual stocks listed above.

But an ETF groups together many stocks, so you’ll invest in several companies at once. You might also have access to commodities and bonds since ETFs can have a variety of investments.

Where to Buy Biblically Responsible Stocks

Now that you have an idea of the best BRI stocks, you need to know where to buy them. Y

ou can purchase through a brokerage firm, online or mobile application, or a qualified personal investment advisor.

We suggest that if you decide to use a personal investment advisor you should find one who understands your desired investment strategy and shares your commitment to biblical principles.

Make sure your financial advisor knows that you want your money to make a positive change in the world.

By investing in biblically responsible stocks, you’re not only showing everyone what you believe in but also proactively making a difference. You’re leading by example when you’re partnering with companies that put their values first.

Some well-known firms in the BRI investment space include CFD Investments, Eventide Funds, G.A. Repple, and Christian Wealth Management.

Look around and find the investment firm that can best help you meet your financial goals.

Related Resources

• Why Responsible Investing is Important
• Importnat Socially Responsbile Investing Pros and Cons
• Best Environmental Stocks to Invest in Today

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